Soccer-Kazakhstan coach Stoilov leaves by mutual consent

Kazakhstan head coach Stanimir Stoilov has left his position by mutual consent, the country's Football Association (KFF) said on Thursday.

The 51-year-old Bulgarian was appointed Kazakhstan coach last March after leading Astana to four successive domestic league titles. Under Stoilov Astana became the first Kazakh side to reach the knockout stages of a European competition.

"The Kazakhstan Football Federation thanks Stanimir Stoilov and his coaching staff for the common work and contribution made to the development of Kazakh football," the KFF said in a statement. "We wish him success and new victories in his future career."

Kazakhstan, who finished second in Group 1 in the fourth tier of the inaugural UEFA Nations League, have been drawn alongside Belgium, Russia, Scotland, Cyprus and San Marino in Euro 2020 qualifying Group I.

Kazakhstan, which gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, have never qualified for the World Cup or the European championship finals.

(Reporting by Angel Krasimirov, editing by Ed Osmond)